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Palm Bay Motorcycle Accident Attorney

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Motorcycle rider holding a helmet facing a black motorcycle

South Florida’s spectacular weather and beautiful scenery make it a great place for motorcyclists to ride. However, that enjoyable outing can turn into tragedy in seconds if you are a victim of a Palm Bay motorcycle accident. In 2021, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 288 motorcycle accidents in Brevard County.

Consider yourself fortunate if you survived the collision since many motorcyclists succumb to their injuries after getting hit by a much larger vehicle. A Palm Bay motorcycle accident lawyer at Kogan & DiSalvo will help you during this difficult time and fight so that you may receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

A woman with a head injury after a motorcycle accident being examined by a police officer

The shell of a car or truck offers some protection to occupants when an accident occurs. That is not the case when a motorcycle is involved. Motorcyclists are just far more vulnerable.  

The four most common types of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Head-on collisions
  • Rear-end collisions
  • Side swipes
  • T-bone collisions

Any one of these motorcycle accident types can result in severe injury or death.

Motorcycle Accident Causes

A view from the drivers seat of a motorcycle approaching a car on the street

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Speeding –Excessive speed is a factor in many motorcycle accidents, especially those involving fatalities.
  • Left-Hand turns –More motorcycle accidents happen when cars make left-hand turns than any other type of road situation. The turning car usually hits the motorcycle when the bike is heading straight through the intersection, or passing or attempting to overtake the car.
  • Dooring–This occurs when the driver or passenger in a vehicle parked on the side of the road opens their door into the motorcyclist’s path.
  • Lane-splitting –When stuck in a traffic jam, the motorcyclist might not want to wait, and choose to lane-split. This kind of motorcycle maneuver is a common cause of accidents because automobile drivers are not looking for motorcyclists to pass them when the lane is moving slowly. When lane-splitting, there is very little room to move the bike. It does not take much for a car to knock the motorcycle into oncoming traffic. Dooring often happens to motorcyclists who are lane-splitting. While legal in some states, lane-splitting is illegal in Florida.
  • Dangerous conditions–As motorcycles are far less stable than other types of motor vehicles, bad road conditions particularly affect them. Uneven pavement or roadway debris may not cause much trouble for a car or truck but can prove deadly to motorcyclists.
  • Blind spot collisions–Unfortunately, many automobile and motorcycle collisions occur because the car driver simply did not see the rider. These accidents often occur at intersections. Vigilance is the best way to avoid blind spot collisions.
  • Defective vehicle–Sometimes, a defect in the motorcycle or its parts is the direct cause of the accident. In such cases, the manufacturer, dealer, or repair service may prove liable.

Of course, drunk or distracted driving on the part of motorists contributes to many motorcycle accidents in Palm Bay. Driver inexperience also plays a role in some collisions.

Common Injuries

Doctor in a hospital reviewing screens showing a brain injury

For many motorcycle accident victims, a serious injury may bring about the end of their lives as normal, functioning human beings. Catastrophic motorcycle accident injuries are often of such magnitude that supportive care, wheelchairs, or other necessities are required for the rest of their lives. Even those who do recover fully from a devastating injury have a long road to recovery.

Common motorcycle injuries include:

  • Amputation
  • Broken bones
  • Burns
  • Disfigurement
  • Internal organ damage
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic brain injury

How Motorcycle Accidents Differ From Other Personal Injury Cases

An empty courtroom facing the judge's bench

In Florida, automobile drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Because Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents, a driver’s PIP pays the medical bills no matter who was at fault for the crash. Only those suffering certain severe injuries may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

That’s not the situation when it comes to Florida motorcyclists. The state does not require motorcyclists to carry PIP and there is no injury threshold to meet to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in a motorcycle accident.

Florida Comparative Negligence Laws

A gavel laying on top of a legal book in front of scales

What if you are partially at fault for the accident? That is not uncommon, but under Florida’s modified comparative negligence laws you can still receive compensation even if you are partly responsible for the collision.

However, any compensation is reduced by your degree of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover at all. For instance, if a jury finds that you were 20 percent at fault for the collision, a $100,000 award is reduced by that percentage to $80,000. If a jury finds you were 51% at fault, your recover will be barred entirely.

Proving a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Woman testifying on the witness stand in court

Proving a motorcycle accident claim requires gathering as much evidence as possible. Such proof must show that another driver or entity is at fault. Multiple parties may bear liability for a motorcycle accident. For instance, the motorist may have been distracted, either by talking on a cell phone or putting their attention elsewhere than on the road. A malfunctioning car or motorcycle can put the onus on the manufacturer.

Your attorney conducts a thorough investigation of the accident. The investigation includes:

  • Identifying any potential at-fault parties
  • Obtaining insurance information for all parties involved
  • Reviewing the police accident report
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • If necessary, retaining a traffic reconstruction expert
  • Determining present and future medical costs

Your attorney negotiates with the insurance company so that you can receive the maximum compensation. Based on your circumstances, the attorney knows a reasonable settlement amount for your claim. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against the defendants.

It is critical to note that you should always consult a personal injury lawyer after a motorcycle accident rather than accept an insurance settlement offer. Insurance companies want to settle for as little as possible as fast as possible. Once you agree to a settlement, you cannot go back and reopen the claim. An attorney protects your interests and negotiates aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf.

Potential Compensation

Lawyer handing over compensation check

Compensation, or damages, in a motorcycle accident case may include:

  • Medical expenses, current and future
  • Lost wages
  • Future lost income
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Statute of Limitations

Close-up of an hourglass, pen, and magnifying glass on top of a legal document

Generally, the statute of limitations in Florida for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. However, it is crucial that you engage a Palm Bay motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting too long to obtain legal counsel can mean that valuable evidence can vanish.

For instance, nearby homes or businesses may have surveillance videos documenting the motorcycle crash. Such videos are usually available for only a short window, depending on the system. A video of the crash scene may prove the case but obtaining it involves swift action by your attorney.

Contact a Palm Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Two people shaking hands over legal documents and a gavel

You need legal counsel deeply familiar with Florida motorcycle law. If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident because of another party’s negligence or recklessness, contact an experienced Palm Bay personal injury attorney at Kogan & DiSalvo. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Since we work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless you receive compensation.

Total reviews: 1020 |

Average rating: 4.9

5

I had the pleasure of having Amanda as my paralegal over my case and she made my experience a lot smoother. She was attentive and compassionate when speaking with me and explained the legal jargon seamlessly. Now that my case has finally wrapped up I can say that I would recommend Kogan & DiSalvo to anyone in need of personal injury representation. Yes they are a giant of a legal team but with a great team that feels personal to you. If you’re reading this, in search of representation, I wish you the best and hope you choose a team that will passionately represent you.

5

From the moment I googled injury lawyers, the first name that appeared was Kogan & DiSalvo. I’ve seeing them painted in the back of the cross many times instantly felt a sense of relief that all that right away. Boy am I glad I trusted my instincts. From the initial phone call that I made at the time of my injury I was guided over the phone what to do. It was almost like having a family and solo me through a rather traumatic situation. My attorney Ted DiSalvo has been amazing, however I did most of my correspondence with Amanda Hudson (she was like a big sister) guiding me and reassuring me an answering every question that I had throughout this long process.

Kogan and DiSalvo they treated me like family from day one. If you are ever in a position that you need a great injury firm that pays closer attention to you then your own family; Kogan & DiSalvo is who you need to call. They will make sure that you do not get shorchanged . They will get you the money that you deserve.

Lastly I know I sound like a broken record but Amanda Hudson was amazing “you rock Amanda” You made this a truly great experience..

5

My neighbor used Kogan & DiSalvo twice and had such a positive experience that after I was involved in a car accident she told me that I really should call them, so I did. After I filled out the form online someone called me within 3 minutes. She was very kind, compassionate and very sympathetic to my situation. From the beginning she let me know that she needed to speak with the attorney and find out some more info before she could say if they could even help me. The honesty from her was very appreciated. Although I’m not finished with my case I am very very happy with how things are going and even more so with the treatment I recieve from everyone I have dealt with. I am treated like a person, not a number, which is unfortunately very rare. They honestly do care and do truly want to help. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs a personal injury attorney.

5

Kogan & disalvo are literally the best lawyers to ever work with ! They cared tremendously and always kept me in the loop with me and my daughter’s case. They fought hard to get us a great compensation in just under 9 months . I would recommend them to anyone thanks again yall rock!

5

Great firm great attorneys very punctual very kind and very helpful. Always willing to help 24/7 willing to answer any doubts or questions.

5

I am truly appreciative for what this firm has done for me. All I can say is from the bottom of my heart, thank you all and God bless. 🙏

5

Really nice and friendly people to work with

5

Samantha was extremely helpful and attentive to my case! Thank you so much for all your hard work and effort!

5

Samantha was amazing to work with, detailed me throughout every step of the process and was extremely helpful and extremely friendly throughout my entire case, I recommend her and this firm

5

Thank you (Paul!!)and the rest of the team By far the best experience ive had with a law firm they genuinely care about their client (Like family)and their well-being and they’re all about doing what’s best for the client they gave me their word and stood behind it with their actions in helping me settle my case.I would HIGHLY recommend Kogan&DiSalvo personal injury lawfirm To anyone lookin for top notch quality service, thank you guys so much i really appreciate the hard work you guys put in for me!

5

Very great and didn’t forget about us thank you so much

5

Client: Charles Seitter ; Stephanie , Samantha and Paul. Your goto personal injury attorneys and company.

5

Everyone was very professional and nice

5

Unfortunately I was involved in an accident, for which I didn’t see the need for an attorney. But I am happy I took the advice to get the help of the team at Kogan & Disalvo. They made sure my medical bills are paid.
Thank you

5

My wife and I were hit in the rear by an 18 wheeler, that was loaded with bricks. Fortunately we were able to walk away, but I sustained damage to my back and neck. I can’t thank this law firm enough for the advice they gave me. It took quite a while to finally settle the case. Tiffany did a great job preparing me for my disposition, and I was very pleased the way she handled the eventual arbitration.
Thank you Tiffany, and the entire staff for their professionalism. I have no hesitation in recommending them to others in need of legal advice.

5

I highly recommend hiring Kogan & DiSalvo! They worked very efficiently and diligently to settle my case. There were a few setbacks and delays but Amanda Hudson conquered them without hesitation! If I ever need an injury lawyer I will only trust Kogan & DiSalvo!

5

Brian Andino was an outstanding lawyer who, along with his hard-working team, handled my personal injury case with professionalism and care. I was injured in a parking lot that was not maintained properly, and Brian, supported by his diligent staff, helped me navigate a complicated legal process with ease. His team was always responsive, organized, and ensured that I stayed informed at every stage of the case.

Brian’s expertise was evident in the way he built a strong case, and his team’s attention to detail made a significant difference. Together, they fought hard to secure a fair settlement for my injuries, holding the negligent parties accountable. I always felt like Brian and his team genuinely cared about my recovery and well-being.

I highly recommend Brian Andino and his dedicated team to anyone in need of skilled, compassionate, and thorough legal representation.

5

We would like to thank the team at Kogan and DiSalvo and wish them all a wonderful Thanksgiving. When my wife and I were involved in a small crash in 2021, we met with Ted DiSalvo at the Boca Raton office. Ted was so helpful and made us feel like he really cared about us and took our case even though it was minor. In 2022, we were rear-ended by a commercial plumbing truck that caused major injuries to my wife and I. We naturally called Kogan and DiSalvo back. We knew that they would take care of us again. Tiffany Fanelli was assigned to our case, and, Wow! For over 2 years, we worked with the team at Kogan and DiSalvo. There were times that we had doubts about what our future looked like, but Tiffany always encouraged and reassured us that she was working hard to resolve this case. Recently, Tiffany put together the most impressive presentation we have ever seen in our professional careers and Tiffany won our case in a big way. We are so thankful for what Tiffany was able to accomplish. And equally grateful to the entire team at Kogan and DiSalvo. We highly recommend them if you have to deal with a similar situation. To everyone at Kogan and DiSalvo, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season.

5

Our attorneys were very professional and efficient.
They communicated frequently and were very patient answering our questions and or concerns. In addition, they negotiated settlements with medical providers which reduced our expenses resulting in larger settlement proceeds.
In closing they did a fantastic job, and I would strongly recommend them.

5

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